Matisyahu - Live At Stubbs

I think somehow the listeners missed the point. It is a parody! Just relax and take it as it is: good parody, sucky music.

This was my first introduction to Matisyahu. I got this CD as a gift, otherwise I might never have heard him. I must say that the music was so different from anything else I had ever heard that it took me some time to get use to. Matisyahu's music is like a strong cup of coffee, you have to acquire a taste for it. Having said that, after a few listens to it, I began to really like it. The fact that this is a "live" album really enhances his style of singing, because he interacts with his audience and they respond. There is an aire of electricity throughout the concert that is palpable. This CD rocks folks! I now own 2 other Matisyahu CD's, but this remains my favorite. His words will shake you and inspire you. Try him, you like him.

There are not to many artists that have an unique sound and keep you wanting more. Live at Stubbbs album has a awesome bass lines and well written songs. If you want something with a different sound and not commercialized then get this album you will not regret it.

Admittedly, I thought it was a joke the first time I saw an ad for "Live at Stubb's." I honestly thought it was a Mad TV sketch! However, when I heard him start to sing...I was blown away.

This is an incredible performance. If you've ever bought a live CD only to be disappointed with the sound quality or just the artist's inability to perform live, you have no need to worry about "Live at Stubb's." Matisyahu thrives on the energy from the crowd. You can hear in his voice that's he's electrified by the audience and it's this energy which allows him to effectively channel all of his emotional and religious fervor. If you've listened to "Youth" and "Live at Stubb's" back to back, there's just no comparison. While "Youth" is a good album, this release is just much more dynamic and you feel like you're part of the show. I could almost smell the smoke from Stubb's BBQ pit. Not to mention, the sound quality is very good.

The album is very listenable from beginning to end. However, "Aish Tamid" is my favorite song by far. Matisyahu has incredible range and voice control and this track is a good example of his abilities. In addition to his technical prowess, he's an excellent writer. There's a section of the song where he's reading a poem, more or less, and he paints a picture of New York City. It's so descriptive and the way he sings is very unique. He will change tempo several times within a single verse; then go from a Ragga delivery to a straight delivery to a hip-hop swagger; then use voice effects to prolong a note or sound. Just amazing!

There are several religious references during the performance and in the songs themselves. I wouldn't get too caught up in that. It's simply someone who has strong beliefs and convictions and that's admirable, regardless of the religion. With so much arrogant behavior and narcissm pervading most of popular music, it's refreshing to see an artist who looks beyond themself and material trappings and explores important issues that affect everyone. More live albums Matisyahu!!!

Did not like the clapping and the solos but as I said it grows on you

I have a number of Matisyahu CD's , but this one is my favorite. The mix of songs is great and I love the whole "feel" of this CD.

it was a nice present for my family, they liked so much the music, smooth listening and a perfect gift

I just discovered Matisyahu recently and started with Youth. Then I decided to backtrack and check this one out. It's just as good. Comparing them, what Live at Stubb's lacks in studio refinement, it more than makes up for in raw energy and intense but natural rapport with the audience, which can be felt listening to the CD. He is a phenomenal performer.

A previous reviewer's denigration of Matisyahu's religious transformation was uncalled for. Many people who were not raised to be religious and embark on some sort spiritual path as an adult find themselves greatly enhanced and permanently changed. This is sometimes more true for the newly religious than those who were raised with rituals that they continue. Perhaps it's not a coincidence that Matisyahu's career took off like a rocket after he became religious - and I'm not referring to the novelty factor, but to his presence, confidence and sense of purpose. I'm sure life on the road is a challenge to his orthodox lifestyle, but Matisyahu says he can handle it and I choose to take his word for it.

I have nothing negative to say about this CD. I'm withholding the fifth star only because my standards are very high, and I think Matisyahu has not yet lived up to his great potential, and I want to have room to raise the rating when he does.

When I first heard about Matisyahu, it sounded like a gimmick. An orthodox Jew singing reggae. But I figured I'd give it a listen, especially since people whose musical opinions I respected seemed to like him. But on my way checking out the music, I came across the fact that Matisyahu was not raised orthodox. He was an American Jewish kid raised with about as much religion as your average young Jewish American. Okay, now I know it's a gimmick. I can accept the role of culture and ethnicity in people's lives, and I'm happy to give it a pass when people from religious families are religious at about the same level of intensity. After all, some people just internalize what they are taught, and they're happy with that. But if you are more religious than your family, if you have taken steps towards a more fundamentalist approach to spirituality, if you have taken on a more dogmatic orthodox identity, then my gut reaction is that you are not acting but reacting. It may sound like I'm saying that each generation should be less religious than the preceding generation. In fact, that is what I'm saying. An American mostly-secular Jewish kid who becomes orthodox is acting out. I know it's wrong to generalize, I'm sure there are exceptions, but I'll commit to my generalization. And, no problem, we all go through phases. But if you go through a phase of identifying as an orthodox Jew, complete with easily identified garb, and suddenly your musical career takes off, I would imagine things would get pretty reinforced. It would be hard to back away from orthodoxy when the curiosity factor is what draws a lot of people into taking their first peak at his work. When you read his religious views, he's talking about peace and unity and not letting your ego get in the way, and one could draw that from a reading of any of several religious or philosophical texts. But at this point, he's the orthodox Jew in the whole getup, and he couldn't dare break character while he's on a roll.

Does it matter? No, it's just a distraction. I've been listening and enjoying the music. The lyrics are interesting, and overall Matisyahu and his band have a great sound and a stirring, energetic vibe. It's good stuff. Give it a listen. But really: Good music, good lyrics (not to mention Tanqueray, Sudoku, Latakia tobacco and backgammon) should be plenty enough religion for anyone.

With "King Without A Crown" getting airplay on many alternative radio stations in the US, Matisyahu expresses an incredible spiritual fervor to the masses--with a quite attractive blend of reggae rhythms and elec. guitar that makes you feel part of an entire religious movement. I'm not religiously inclined by any means, but beyond the arrangements and just the general ambience of the music, Miller's voice is nothing short of amazing, and his delivery comes as nothing less than ethereal. Really, even a casual Marley fan can appreciate the combination of reggae with a decidedly great backing band. Spirituality is traditionally part of reggae, and Matisyahu is no exception, channeling a certain soul of honesty and hunger for a higher power. Like I said, I don't believe, but if I did, this would be the soundtrack to the top. But enough of that. Standouts are "Chop 'em Down", "King without a Crown", "Refuge", and "Close My Eyes", probably the best track here. But there are also the understated "Warrior" and "Exaltation", the two longest tracks. These don't feel like 7 minutes, because the band actually knows how to balance singing and instrumentation, often with the singing supplementing. And the one surprise: "Beat Box", happens to be an amazing display of skill for a human beat box, which at its end, the guitar comes in. Rapping by the MC and Miller ensues. "My mother sang songs in camps of concentration. His mother sang songs inside the cotton plantation. Her mother sang songs while we were bombing their nation. Now I sing songs for much more than just my occupation"... Better rapping skills than most of the [...] flung at us today, and did I forget to say that THE LYRICS MEAN SOMETHING. It's like a revolution or something. Be part of it.

Yes, I saw Matisyahu in concert. It was the best concert I've ever been to to date, and I'm agnostic... Go figure, right? Excellent songwriting and vocals make this an accessible and unpretentious album.

Also, I must recommend "New Dubby Conquerors" by Seeed, huge(popular) in Germany right now. You can listen on amazon.de even if you can't read the German. Best Reggae I know of. Comes off the line as PERFECT, with excellent critical acclaim even in JAMAICA! Check it out or download some tracks, it's infectious and electronically experimental.

I heard about Matisyahu through Kimmel on late night and was extremely intrigued, so I got the album immediately.

It is quite possibly one of the must uplifting and beautiful albums i've ever heard. The band isn't great, but it works and Matthew's lyric's are flawlessly performed, poetic and genuinely spiritual (as opposed to "Christian" artists religious overtones). I would highly recommend getting Shake of the Dust as well, which is equally awesome.

Damn, that hassid can rock his face off. Frum just got a lot cooler.

I LOVE this album! It's been a long time since I've loved any music this much--he has so much passion it just makes you feel good. I'm not Jewish, but I really don't think that matters. Anyone can relate to these songs.

Matisyahu may be known for his odd appearance as a Reggae star more than anything else, but the man sometimes knows how to write and carry a tune. "Live at Stubbs," however, is a mixed effort at best, and has a decent amount of flawed and fragmented songs, while a few jingles rise above the rest.

Chop em' Down sets up the themes that surround Matisyahu's album, which mainly include war and the Jewish religion. While the themes behind of the album are not what makes it prestine, as the real heart is in the rhythmically sung and well-refrained lyrics, that accentuate the soul of a Matisyahu' skill.

Songs like the opener track Sea to Sea, displays Matisyahu's vocal work, but at the same time the tunes need to grip better, as they feel more like an impartial track. In other songs, such as Warrior, the listener is waiting for the lyrics to kick in more often, because even if the music elements blend well into the background of Matisyahu's singing contribution into the album, they are mainly just that-- background elementals more than anything else. Yet in such songs like King Without a Crown, and Heights, the music and the lyrics truly come together as one.

However, in dittys like Fire and Heights, and Exhaltation, show that when its all about the music, the listener may just want to get back to the lyrical spurting, because these songs are overlong excesses that try the listener's patience.

While, the song Beat Box is a good example of a song that is rather long-winded, however, it is another showcase of Matisyahu's splendid lung work. This is also the tune that sums up the album-- As "Live at Stubbs" is a disc that in many ways has best of both words lyrically and instrumentally, however these are the elements that need to be conjoined simultaneously to bring the listener more beats of greatness.


** ½ (out of 4)

I love this album - each and every song stirs something in me and leaves me wanting more. While I have a wide range of reggae artist in my collection, there are only a very few artist that display the passion and emotion of the reggage style - for me Matisyahu is one of the few.
Fear not the religious underpinnings of this album - It's too bad some critics don't appreciate the significance of Jah to the reggae genre. I have lsitened to Live at Stubbs many times and my beliefs remain unshaken - just as I listen to foreign music and still can't speak those foreign languages.
Bottom line is that each track is a great masterpiece in the reggae style and it is filled with a spirit seldom heard in commercial music today.

I love turning people onto new music and I've got at least 10 of my friends and co-workers playing this constantly. POSITIVE VIBRATION! It's feel good music because it comes from positive inspiration like his religion or his time spent following Phish around the country as a fan. The guy is an awesome performer and songwriter, my personal favorite on the album is "Aish Tamid" with it's poetic break and strong finish. I admit I was a little disappointed with his studio work, but I'll be at the store on release day to get his next live album!

An orthodox jew doing reggae?! That was such an odd combination that I just had to buy his two CDs. Believe it or not, but Matisyahu has created a really new and totally cool sound! The man combines real musical talent with a burning belief. He uses his music to express his own strong passion.
This is art inspired by religion much in the same way as the Sistine Chapel is. The religiosity or religion of the listener is not that important.
There are some songs that are not that good, but others, like Chop 'em down and Sea to sea are just great. He is still finding his way in the musical world, and some experiments are bound to fail (eg. Warrior and Beat box). I prefer this CD to Youth.
He also sounds like a quite cool guy in interviews, and is not a fanatic in any way, which is a relief.

I heard this CD for the first time at a friends house and loved the beat. I love reggae! I was unable to listen to the words/meaning of the songs, while I was there. I just knew that it got my head bobbin. I bought the CD the next day, and was quite surprised when listening to the lyrics. I wasn't aware that I had bought such a religious CD. My friend had warned me that matisyahu was a jewish man with strong beliefs, but I wasn't expecting EVERY SINGLE song to be based on it. You definately have to be a religious person to enjoy this CD, otherwise, just don't buy it. I kind of feel out of place listening to it because I don't relate. If matisyahu used his beats for something other than preaching, I might purchase that CD. He does have talent, I just haven't been able to connect with the music.

I bought this disk simply on word of mouth, I am quite satisfied with my purchase.

Matisyahu is a soulful reggae performer with deep meaning behind his songs. While much has been made of his orthodox Jewish background, and his music is spiritual...there is no holding back or conservatism in the music. While his voice is somewhat lacking in depth (occasional notes missed)he has broad range from scat to soliloquy to melody; he sings with emotion, heart, balls, what ever you want to call it...he puts himself out there and that is what you want from reggae.

The band does not dominate the music but the more you listen the more you realize their unique vitality. They are every bit as good as he and perhaps its the singer and the band together synergistically make a great album, the sum which is better then the two parts. Also this is a live album so you have the added energy from the audience to help push you past the occasional musical mistep. I look forward to hearing a studio album.

In review, this is great reggae and I look forward to buying more albums by Matisyahu.

This CD is a blast. I got it last week from my local Mediatheque and it has turned to be an awesome discovery. Actually, I am not too much into reggae nor I am a believer, but Matisyahu shows that you can funnel your spirituality and your religious zeal into something creative and beautiful, instead of into suicide bombings or smashing planes into skyscrappers. Two thumbs up!.

This ablum is Beyond anything else in my collection (and it's a pretty hefty one) I think Matisyahu is an AMAZING artist. And the lyrics, the lyrics, the lyrics, the lyrics, the lyrics!!!! Can I say enough about them???? He is so introspective, it's totally appealing and admirable. The beats on this album are so fresh, it's like breathing in brand new air. This is such a talented band. I think that Matis is truly in this game for the long run, he's probably been around much longer than I've known of him (a week, I'm ashamed to say!) but I think he is the mirror image of staying power. I think much of raggae and earth music is underappreciated so I hope those of us that ride that vibe and really enjoy a belly full of musical nutrition for the soul will support artists like Matisyahu so our cups can continue to overflow.... there is a shortage of true Conscious music on the scene and I'm just thrilled to have his CD, it's so very spiritual and it just puts u in a good mood.. I can't wait to go pick up his studio release! The best tracks, to me... are ALL of them! (seriously) I almost feel like I've overrated every other album I have reviewed on here by saying that because albums that I gave 5 Stars too and said every track was great, I think to myselt do they really weigh in with this one??? but then, Matis is apart of a totally different genre... so, moving on... the ENTIRE album is hot, blazing, truly. But my personal favorites are "Chop em' down" and "king without a crown" those are in repeat with me, but I love each and every song on the ablum... "Lord raise me up" is beautiful.. "sea to sea" I mean, could he have possibly picked a BETTER intro to the album? That set the stage so beautifully... it's like you're on a slow boat ride on your way to a private island ready to get filled... "beat box" is fresh! "close my eys" is a wonderful track... I mean, he Totally, Completely, Extremely did his thing on this album, he's definitely secured a fan in me... awesome, quality, meaningful, spiritually filling work, keep it coming, keep it coming, keep it coming, KEEP IT COMING.

i found live at stubb's by accident and i turned out to be one of the best albums i've heard in the last year.
althoug not a big fan of reggae music, this album is sure to be on my best albums list. great lyrics, great bas, guitar...just amazing. i hope he comes to europe!!! close my eyes is an amazing song.

HE IS CRAZY.LOOKING FOR SOMETHING NEW LOOK HERE.HE CAN ALSO BEATBOX GREAT.I LOVE THIS GUY.

I am a 62 year old musician and am blown away by this young man's talent. His music, phrasing and great message for the kids of today.

I have never heard any music quite like Matisyahu's. He has a really good voice, with outstanding range, and listening to it is really refreshing. Most of the beat's are very reggae, but he switches it up nicely from singing long notes to super fast rapping which I find very cool. His lyric's actually seem to have meaning, which is hard to find in most of today's music.
Sea to Sea is a great song with a really cool base groove, one of my favorites. Chop 'Em Down is also a great song, which you'll be singing along with in no time. Lord Raise Me Up is very slow, but it has nice vocals and more great base. King Without a Crown is my favorite song on the CD. Matisyahu shows his rapping skills, with a great guitar solo to top it off. Aish Tamid is another song with a great combo of rapid rapping and great vocals. Beat Box is one of the coolest songs that I've ever heard. This guy's got skills! 2 minutes and 50 seconds of straight beat boxin, and then he goes right into another 2 minutes of rap. It's hard to believe that he could do that live with no screw up's. But he did.
Some of the songs get a little long with a lot of weird guitar playing with nothing else going on, like Fire and Heights. I'm not a fan of live albums but I can't find anything wrong with this one. It's got great beats, rediculous rhymes, and the extremely talanted Matisyahu to really make it special. Sample a few of this guy's songs, and decide for yourself if you like him or not. I obviously do.

I originally bought this CD because I found it amusing that a hasidic jew was singing reggae. To me it was basically a novelty act. When I originally heard Matisyahu on the radio, I thought that it was some jamacain name or something. After a few listens to the CD, I realized how good it was. Matisyahu was better than a lot of the artists that fit the traditional reggae stereotype. True, his songs were filled with old testament propaganda that I don't totally agree with, but either way, you can't understand half the stuff he's saying anyway!!!

Although I noticed many print reviews of this album knock it for not delivering much new to the songs, especially knocking the quality of some of the transfers, I think these reviewers couldn't be more wrong.

Essentially, every song from Shake Off the Dust... Arise that is on the live album is a completely different sounding song. Each and every time, it's a new and fresh experience. This live album shows his power as a singer, and it's a great thing to listen to.

I definitely suggest this album; it's pretty close to perfect.

Hear me now!

Matisyahu is a SUPER-talented artist. There is no need to peghole him musically/racially as Bob Marley or the one-hit-wonder Snow (absolutely ridiculous!). Just listen, feel HIS music. Better yet, travel outside of your hometown or homecountry and GROW as a person first. Then listen to it. I guarantee then you'll understand.

I don't pretend to be self-righteous or anything, but I just noticed a bunch of narrowminded, judgemental, waaaay off-base downright silly/funny criticisms about an obviously talented musician (what's up with all the criticisms of "oogie yoi" - he can do that sh&t if he wants too!).

Descent CD to put on while people are over, very chill with some upbeats on a fair amount of tracks.
CD is a CD-ROM that plays a live video for King Without A Crown. Can't wait to see him live!

Forget about Matisyahu being a Hasidic Jew. This is great music. If you like reggae, or reggae with a rock edge, this is for you. It's more of a dub sound than old-school reggae, but it's good. Don't listen to "hardcore" reggae lovers who don't like it. This isn't the same old thing, it's a little different than the average reggae band. There's a little hip-hop feel in it, as he goes back and forth between singing and rapping. All in all, it's a good, diverse group of songs. As a reggae lover, but also a selective listener, I enjoy each song having a little different feel. Anyone can respect the beatboxing and rapping in "Beat Box", and "Fire and Heights" is an instrumental, so really there's something for everyone as far as different tastes in reggae or music altogether. The best song is probably "King Without A Crown", best reggae, best rapping, best songwriting. Perfect. Finally, the songwriting is good, and meaningful, although you get very tired of hearing "Yiggie oh" over and over. That's the only thing I don't like. As far as the religious influence, that's reggae, only he's Jewish instead of Rastafarian. Either way, it's for everyone, not just those that follow the religion. Also, I saw him (them) live recently, and have to tell you that the album doesn't compare to the show. Their energy is incredible, they unify the audience, and they have very diverse opening acts. If you're a fan of reggae, get the album, but even better, see them live. This is about the best you could want in reggae.

This ablum is Beyond anything else in my collection (and it's a pretty hefty one) I think Matisyahu is an AMAZING artist. And the lyrics, the lyrics, the lyrics, the lyrics, the lyrics!!!! Can I say enough about them???? He is so introspective, it's totally appealing and admirable. The beats on this album are so fresh, it's like breathing in brand new air. This is such a talented band. I think that Matis is truly in this game for the long run, he's probably been around much longer than I've known of him (a week, I'm ashamed to say!) but I think he is the mirror image of staying power. I think much of raggae and earth music is underappreciated so I hope those of us that ride that vibe and really enjoy a belly full of musical nutrition for the soul will support artists like Matisyahu so our cups can continue to overflow.... there is a shortage of true Conscious music on the scene and I'm just thrilled to have his CD, it's so very spiritual and it just puts u in a good mood.. I can't wait to go pick up his studio release! The best tracks, to me... are ALL of them! (seriously) I almost feel like I've overrated every other album I have reviewed on here by saying that because albums that I gave 5 Stars too and said every track was great, I think to myselt do they really weigh in with this one??? but then, Matis is apart of a totally different genre... so, moving on... the ENTIRE album is hot, blazing, truly. But my personal favorites are "Chop em' down" and "king without a crown" those are in repeat with me, but I love each and every song on the ablum... "Lord raise me up" is beautiful.. "sea to sea" I mean, could he have possibly picked a BETTER intro to the album? That set the stage so beautifully... it's like you're on a slow boat ride on your way to a private island ready to get filled... "beat box" is fresh! "close my eys" is a wonderful track... I mean, he Totally, Completely, Extremely did his thing on this album, he's definitely secured a fan in me... awesome, quality, meaningful, spiritually filling work, keep it coming, keep it coming, keep it coming, KEEP IT COMING.

So many base their reviews on Matisyahu's religious background. It's true this is a core of the man's lyrics, but you can't base his power solely on that. His music is incredible reggae! His beats and flow live the true spirit of reggae. He sings from the heart, and you can feel that when you listen to his tracks. WELL DONE!

When I first heard this guy I thought he really had something going so I bought the cd. I have had it for about a week now and I would have given it 4-stars but the guy has to stop using the yee-kee yo yee-kee yo or whatever. I read a review when I first bought the cd that said about the same thing and I thought the reviewer was full of it. Now, I tend to agree. The more you listen to it the more it gets on your nerves. I mean, there is no need for that extra noise he throws in there.

He needs to stop saying this yee-kee yo phrase as I believe it will eeventually hurt what could turn into an amazing career.

What else can I say? He's fairly unique and has made a quite entertainin little disc here. Seems more like one of those novelty bandwagons people jump on every now and then (remember Lou Bega?) - don't know if this will hold up at all....

I absolutly loved this cd! It sounds so awesome even though it's live. Rufuge, sea by sea, king without a crown, and close my eyes were my favorites. I cannot wait to see him live. I have been listening to it in my car for like 2 weeks straight. I cannot get enough of it. I would definately recommend buying it!

i'm a fan of reggae. most of the reviews i've read mentions bob marley. even the editor's review mentions ganja smoking and hippies being associated with reggae. none of these people seem well versed in roots reggae. it's insulting that people who knows nothing about reggae would procede to review it like it's just about hippies and weed. what about rastas? roots reggae is religious music. now about matisyahu. he a good performer, has great lyrics and delivers a good show. but reggae singers are not babbling oogi oooh ooogi ooh- making noises just because. there is a culture and a language behind it. if anything this may get some people through the gate into REAL reggae. check out burning spear, peter tosh, yabba you, sister carol and other righteous singers. i don't hate this guy, but people praising him as being the positive great hope of reggae is like praising eminem of being a genius of hip hop. he singing the same thing, but there's just the other face on our music. keep it real, yall.

If you're looking for Rastifarian rock in the form of 311 or Phish, then this is the cd for you. But if you are looking for more hip hop via the song, "King Without A Crown." Then you might want to look elsewhere. It's almost as if "King Without A Crown" doesn't belong on this album. Undoubtedly, this is a good cd nonetheless, but it's not what I was expecting.

If you're looking for Rastifarian rock in the form of 311 or Phish, then this is the cd for you. But if you are looking for more hip hop via the song, "King Without A Crown." Then you might want to look elsewhere. It's almost as if "King Without A Crown" doesn't belong on this album. Undoubtedly, this is a good cd nonetheless, but it's not what I was expecting.

This music has a suprisingly good feeling to it. I also wathed a vidoe on mtv last week on one of the songs and the video was as original as this music, there a lot of talent going one.
I heard one of the songs from this cd on the radio one night, I was reapeating the name in my head over n over trying to rember, ya this music is that good, well I like it.

This is not reggae. This some hasidic jew whining and saying oogi yoi over and over again.

Not worth it...

I LOVE the CD! its a relief to hear some good reggae music who's lyrics arent always about getting high. He has a great message to his lyrics and this is an awesome CD. Two thumbs waaaay up.

hasidic jew singing reggae? turns out it's not all that unusual as it's been going on for a while and there are several capable artists. matisyahu is at the forefront and one listen to his album and you'll know why. very capable band, beats and vocals makes the seeming contradiction all but fade after just a few listens -- as a matter of fact you're likely to see similarities between reggae and middle eastern music you never realized before. "chop 'em down" is my favorite track and unfortunately, although others have their moments, most descend into a repetitive similarity which is all too familiar to reggae. that said this is worth a listen - especially if you're looking for something new - and future works offer even more potential.

What an a attraction to come to a concert and meeting this guy in a black hat doing the dance.

The music and the lyrics are great.

One of the most satisfying cd's I have gotten in a while. Different like Beck. Sounds of Marley, combined with Sublime and Eminem. Listen to the music people! Ignore all the racial undertones that others have reviewed and ripped this album apart. He speaks of some of this in his songs (very few), but it isn't enough to turn anyone off. It isn't a faithful album. I am not Jewish. I am not really religious and this album is one of the most refreshingly creative sounds I have heard. His voice and tones are mezmorizing. Worth the purchase just for the blending of sounds and the different kinds of music that are presented. One of the best albums I have heard in a long time. Fanastic! Worth the money. If you like island music, if you like the sounds of sublime and something different like Beck, buy it. Buy it and listen to the music. Enjoy!

this guy wouldn't make it at all, if it wasnt for his band, he has potential, but he has to stop saying yugi yugi oh! snow did the same thing with " lick ya boom boom now" to keep the flow going with the music, matisyahu's beat boxing skills are decent but unorganized, and cant seem to keep a steady beat at it, all in all i found theirs only 4 tracks on the cd that i can stand listening to! and if you listen to the crowd, through out the cd, they sound pretty quiet through the majority of it.

Very original and very good. I have never heard anything quite like it.

If you cannot appreciate the talent and tightness of the band, you are an absolute idiot.

I am very satisfied with the service right now and the cd that I bought I like it! Everything is so far so good. Thanks for your service.

this cd is really well done!!! As far as reggae goes, I only listen to bob marley and find that whenever I listen to any other reggae artist, I don't like it much at all. This matisyahu is my first time truly loving the beats and everything! Sometimes I find his voice kind of weird but then again.. he's jewish and singing reggae, right? Oh well, even if you don't like reggae you'll probably like this album!

This guy is really good. I've seen him at least once on TV and that's where I first remembered him from. But I bought his CD and really enjoy it. And he's not like Snow either. You really have to buy the entire album and not just download individual songs to get Matisyahu. I'm glad this was done as a live album. It's raw with a lot of emotion. "King Without a Crown," "Chop `Em Down," "Beat Box," "Lord Raise Me Up," "Exaltation," are some of the best.